- The Canadian Chamber of Commerce helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada with a network of over 450 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing 200,000 businesses.

CANADA - The Canadian Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) was recently in Texas to promote its $35.1 billion trade relationship with the Lone Star State.

“The timing of our mission couldn’t be more important," says Perrin Beatty, CEO and President of the Chamber. "With NAFTA negotiations underway and business uncertainty on both sides of the border, we wanted to reach out to our American partners to highlight how our regional economies benefit from this long-standing agreement. In addition, as Texas looks to recover from Hurricane Henry, we want to show the support of Canadian businesses through our presence.”

The Texas visit is part of a series of trade missions launched earlier this year by Canada’s largest business association, which seeks to strengthen relations with its closest ally. The mission was organized in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Association of Business.

“Like the 617,200 Canadians who travel to Texas each year, we’ve been met with hospitality everywhere we go," says Mr. Beatty. "Some Texans were surprised to learn about the deep Canadian connection to their communities, including the half-million jobs in the state that depend on Canada-U.S. trade and investment.”

The Canadian mission began in Austin, where the delegation met with the state’s Economic Development team and sat down with the Texas Association of Business. On Thursday, the delegation will be in Dallas to host bilateral meetings with local businesses as well as tour a Bombardier/CAE Flight Training Centre.

“Canada and Texas are more than just business partners, they are also friends," concludes Mr. Beatty. "So when we look at Houston, a city that shares Canada’s rich energy resources and benefits from the free flowing of goods and services between both nations, we feel for the people and businesses affected by the hurricane and we want them to know that Canadians are ready to help."